Trump Names Housing Official Pulte Acting Intelligence Director

The United States faces a June 12 deadline to renew a key foreign surveillance authority under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has placed that renewal at risk. Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, will continue in those housing roles while serving temporarily as the nation’s top intelligence official. The Federal Vacancies Reform Act permits this dual arrangement for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation.

Senate leaders in both parties have questioned whether Pulte possesses the national-security experience the statute requires. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the position demands professionals rather than a weaponized approach. Former leader Mitch McConnell said any nominee must demonstrate extensive national-security experience or will not receive his vote. On the Democratic side, Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner called the choice the most outrageous he had seen, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that the timing makes extension of the surveillance powers substantially harder.

Democrats have signaled they may withhold the votes needed to clear the 60-vote threshold in the Senate if Pulte remains in the post. Several Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and Susan Collins, have also opposed linking the two issues. National security specialists note that Section 702 enables collection against foreign targets overseas and has been described as essential during ongoing hostilities involving Iran. The White House has defended the selection, stating that Pulte will serve the American people effectively and that holding the surveillance authority hostage for partisan reasons endangers national security.

Multiple members of the House and Senate intelligence committees reported they had not yet met or spoken with Pulte as of June 4. Pulte previously drew attention for making criminal referrals related to mortgage fraud during his housing-agency tenure and for internal clashes, including a reported exchange with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The acting designation removes the confirmation hearing that would normally examine these matters in detail.